CONCORD, N.C. — Jimmie Johnson, the oft-unbeatable driver with five championships to his name, enters this season's Chase for the Sprint Cup in the worst slump of his career.

In the last four races, Johnson has finished out of the top 25. It's the first time that has happened to Johnson in 12 years at NASCAR's highest level.

He was 40th at Michigan International Speedway with a blown engine, 36th at Bristol Motor Speedway after getting caught in a crash, 28th at Atlanta Motor Speedway after more crash damage and 40th at Richmond International Raceway after electrical problems and a blown tire.

For many, that startling lack of momentum could be an ominous sign. Then again, most teams aren't Hendrick Motorsports' No. 48.

"Of all the teams that are out there, if that 48 team doesn't have momentum, it doesn't hurt them," Fox Sports analyst Kyle Petty said. "Johnson having a few bad races going into the Chase is more dangerous than if he has momentum."

The competition fears the 48 because anyone who was around from 2006 to 2010 when Johnson won five consecutive titles knows he can win at anytime and in a variety of ways.

In spite of the hiccups, Johnson appeared unfazed this week when discussing his Chase chances. The No. 2 seed, who became a dad for the second time a week ago, exhibited his typical California calm and made the case that the slump wouldn't interfere with him winning No. 6.

Jimmie Johnson was honored for his Sprint Cup championship by President Obama at the White House on Aug. 19, 2009. Johnson was previously feted by former President George W. Bush.
Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg

Jimmie Johnson, right, and crew chief Chad Knaus kiss the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after winning the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in 2008. Johnson has four career wins at the Brickyard.
Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson shares a laugh with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, during a visit to Capitol Hill on Feb. 5, 2007. A reporter asked if he was a Democrat or Republican. The Speaker changed the subject.
Tim Dillon, USA TODAY Sports

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The 10 Chase tracks are "really, really good tracks for us," he said. Specifically, Johnson said he'll have plenty of speed at the five 1.5-mile tracks. Two other tracks — Martinsville Speedway and Dover International Speedway — are among his best venues; he has a combined 15 wins in 46 starts at those tracks.

"Sure, I wish we had more momentum and better finishes going into the Chase without a doubt. I'm not going to sugarcoat that," he said. "We've been here before, and we're rolling into a track that's really good.

Crew chief Chad Knaus, the mastermind behind Johnson's five titles, said the team's cars have been very fast and rattled off a list of what he called silly problems that prevented Johnson from finishing better.